The Pittsburgh Pirates continued their seven game N.L. Central road trip with the first of four games against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night. These are two teams going in opposite directions and that was shown tonight as Cincinnati used three home runs to collect all seven of their runs, on their way to a 7-4 victory.
All seven runs were collected off Pittsburgh starter Wil Crowe, though only three were earned. The Reds got their first run in the first on a solo home run by Jonathan India. Cincinnati collected six more runs in the second, all coming on a pair of three run home runs. The first occurred when Eugenio Suarez hit a 378 ft. home run to right center. The second came on a 373 ft. dinger to right center by Joey Votto. Crowe had a rough night, allowing eight hits over four innings, while striking out five and walking two.
Pittsburgh earned all of their runs off of Reds starter Sonny Gray. Gray gave up four runs on six hits over five innings, while striking out seven and walking two. The Pirates used a four run fifth inning to make this game look close. An infield single from Philip Evans brought home Jacob Stallings for their first run. The next one came on another infield single, this one by Kevin Newman to drive in Wilmer Difo. A fielder’s choice hit into by Bryan Reynolds scored Evans. The final run of the night plated Hoy Park when Ke’Bryan Hayes singled to center.
Both bullpens were lights out tonight using three pitchers to cover the final four innings for their respective team. Pittsburgh would allow only one hit while striking out seven batters. Cincinnati gave up two hits, to go with three strikeouts and one walk.
Great American Ballpark is known to be a launching pad for home runs, so it is no surprise that the home team used that to their advantage tonight. The Pirates will need to find some power in this series if they look to keep up with the Reds. Game two will take place Friday night at 7:10pm with JT Brubaker starting for Pittsburgh, while Cincinnati will send Wade Miley to the bump.
Record vs. Reds: 1-6
Record vs. N.L. Central: 12-32
Record on the Road: 18-38
Overall Record: 41-68
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
